Breathing Tubes for Insects

Each spiracle connects to an elastic air tube or trachea. Tracheal breathing occurs in some invertebrates other than insects.

Insects do not have lungs as people do. God has designed them with breathing tubes which carry air containing oxygen to their body tissues. The air enters the tubes through tiny holes called spiracles that are found along the side of the body called spiracles.






Insects have spiracles on their exoskeletons to allow air to enter the trachea. In insects, the tracheal tubes primarily deliver oxygen directly into the animals' tissues. The spiracles can be opened and closed in an efficient manner to reduce water loss. This is done by contracting closer muscles surrounding the spiracle. In order to open, the muscle relaxes. The closer muscle is controlled by the central nervous system but can also react to localized chemical stimuli. Several aquatic insects have similar or alternative closing methods to prevent water from entering the trachea. Spiracles may also be surrounded by hairs to minimize bulk air movement around the opening, and thus minimize water loss.      


Science G4, 1st Semester.
First week on August 2015.